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2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 review notes: Well-dressed American muscle

December 20, 2012

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NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: An executive in search of a hot rod -- look no further. This Hemi-powered hooligan is a well-dressed rocket, with one of the nicest blends of class, comfort and raw power of any large sedans on the market.

The looks and feel of the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 were pitch-perfect for me. It’s understated, but there are some over-the-top touches, like the heavily bolstered red seats. The cabin is quiet, nicely laid out, and I love the gleaming, glowing blue dials for speed and revs. The flat-bottomed steering wheel looks athletic and has a great feeling in the hands and wrists of the operator. It helps the driver really connect with this big sedan and manage its weight and potency through curves.

The black chrome package is sharp. Normally, I like the shiny stuff, but blended with the gun-metal gray, it really presents well. The head- and taillights add an element of old-school pizzazz, but it’s not overwrought.

My only complaint is I sat in traffic for huge swaths of my commute, seldom unlimbering this rocking V8. On those few occasions I did -- it sounded and felt great.

I like that SRT models have really become a complete performance package. It’s not just about power: the inside is great, there are styling cues used to proper effect, and it’s all integrated in a smart fashion.